I would like to ask for some help calculating the deflection of 60" long unsupported rod of 20mm hardened steel. I have used the BeamBoy as well as the formulas from SKF Linear Material documentation, and my results are unrealistic.
I am looking to see the deflection of a 20 lb force hanging from the dead middle of a 60" long piece of 20mm hardened steel clamped at both ends. My computations so far give me deflections way below 0.1mm - which would be great, but it would be too good to be true.
I am a week-end woodworker and am not very handy with metal. I don't know what to expect. Tolerances of 0.5 mm are acceptable for me, maybe even 1mm. I don't want to go to 25mm or 30mm rods unless I have to.
thanks for anyone who would venture to start helping a noob
cheers,
wm_crash, the friendly hooligan